DENTAL CLINIC FEES

Taranaki Daily News, 27 November 1934, Page 8

DENTAL CLINIC FEES

STRATFORD COMMITTEE'S STAND. ILLNESS AFFECTS SCHOOL ROLL. Suggestions for the collection of overdue fees for the treatment of school children at the dental clinic were considered at a meeting of the Stratford school committee last night. There were present Mr. J. Morrison (chairman), Mesdames Petrie and Thompson, Messrs. R. G. Watson, A. Ferguson, P. T. Aitken and G, A. Carter (secretary). The dental nurse, Miss B. Mackay, submitted a list of 100 children who had received treatment and whose parents had not paid the fees. The same people had been asked on numerous occasions to pay their fees, said the chairman, but apparently they took no notice. “It looks as though they don’t want the treatment.” he said. On the motion of Mr. Morrison, it was decided definitely to strike off the roll of the dental clinic all those who had not paid their fees by the end of November.

“I regret that we have to take this step',” said Mr. Morrison, “but it must be done this time. The committee has given the defaulters every possible consideration, and has warned them time after time.”

The lawns in front of the school were doing well, reported the visiting committee, Messrs. Aitken and Ferguson, and they should benefit greatly from the top-dressing put on. The hedges had been cut and were looking well. The surroundings of the school were tidy and the committee complimented the children on the way they had looked after the flower beds. Dissatisfaction with the outside work being done by the caretaker was expressed by members of the committee. It was decided to write to him drawing his attention to the complaints made. The attendance had fallen considerably, reported the headmaster, Mr. L. J. Furrie, the average over the last four weeks being below the requirements for the grade of the school. It emphasised the need for a different grading system, he said. The month had been a difficult one from the point of view of staffing, sickness and examinations keeping four teachers away at different intervals. There was only one extra assistant. Tire bubble fountain had been installed and was quite satisfactory. Sickness had interrupted the school examinations somewhat. The proficiency examinations wera held yesterday, and the results were highly satisfactory. Those children who were away were examined on their year’s work. Mrs. Petrie and Mr. H. F. Vosseler were appointed a visiting committee for December.

The chairman reported having been advised that the train arrangements for the visit of the Duke of Gloucestershire had been altered, so that the children had to go to Hawera instead of to New Plymouth to get any concession. It was too late, he said, to organise anything now, so that the children would have to make their own arrangements about the trip. He did not think that many would wish to go. On the motion of Mrs. Ferguson, it was decided to protest against the action of the Railway Department in having the arrangements altered. The school had been unfairly treated, said the chairman. GENERAL ITEMS 9 _ Gambling in Park Alleged. Allegations that gambling by youths had taken place in Taumata Park, Eltham, were made at a special meeting of the Eltham Borough Council last week. It was mentioned that the matter was already in the hands of the police and therefore beyond the jurisdiction of the council. The question of youths loitering in the streets on Sunday afternoons and evenings was also discussed and it was decided to take steps to discourage the practice. Fall from Cycle. Ray Burke, a well-known Eltham foot’ bailer, received injuries to both hands and arms as the result of r fall from a cycle while returning from Rawhitiroa to Eltham last night. As he was passing a car driven by Mr. G. Martin the wheel of his cycle came into contact with the rear wheel of the car, causing his machine to overturn. The rider was .thrown heavily and received extensive abrasions. C.E.M.S. Club May Close. There is a probability of the C.E.M.S. Club at Eltham going into liquidation and closing down. For some time the club has not been receiving the financial support that was accorded it in its early years, and the management, in view of the financial difficulties, feel there is little prospect of continuing successfully. Founded several years ago, the club has proved a useful social institution. Cars in Collision. A car driven by Mr. Walker, Hawera, collided with a small car driven by Mr. T. Foy, Mangatoki, at the intersection of High and Bridge Streets, Eltham, on Saturday night, minor damage being done.